Multipurpose garment and method of manufacturing the same

ABSTRACT

A multipurpose garment manufactured by knitting a first section, the first section including a plurality of single courses; knitting a second section, the second section including a plurality of double courses; knitting a third section, the third section including a plurality of single courses; knitting a fourth section, the fourth section including a plurality of double courses; and knitting a fifth section, the fifth section including a plurality of single courses, wherein transitions between the first section and the second section, the second section and the third section, the third section and the fourth section, and the fourth section and the fifth section are seamless. The multipurpose garment includes sleeve portions being seamlessly knitted to a body portion due to transition stitches connecting the body portion and the sleeve portions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/213,888, filed Jul. 19, 2016, now pending, whichis incorporated here by reference in its entirety to provide continuityof disclosure.

BACKGROUND

Shawls are often worn to keep the wearer warm, impart a feeling ofcomfort and coziness, and even to impart a sense of style. A traditionalshawl may range from a simple decorative rectangular segment of knit orwoven fabric to more elaborate knit patterns that offer greater warmth.Where some shawls may simply be a utilitarian garment made from cotton,wool, acrylic or the like, for use in, e.g., a healthcare facility,others may be super-luxury.

Whatever the style, the shawl is typically wrapped around the shouldersof the wearer and allowed to drape, with the wearer relying on the dualforces of gravity and friction to keep the garment in position.

These traditional shawls have significant drawbacks. Because the garmentis held in place only by gravity and friction, it is susceptible toslipping out of position or off the wearer entirely. A wearer that is inmotion or otherwise active may need to hold the garment in place withone hand, reducing the wearer's ability to engage in other activitywhile wearing the garment. Similarly, since the shawl typically drapes,the front hangs open. In order to take advantage of the garment'sheat-retention properties, the wearer must manually hold the garmentclosed around the front. The wearer may wish to keep the shawl closedfor stylistic reasons as well, which would likewise immobilize one hand.Because of its amorphous shape, a shawl may be utilized as a scarf,neckerchief or similar accessory, particularly when made from a thinmaterial such as silk or satin.

A related garment to the shawl is the drape-front cardigan, which istraditionally a loose-fitting open-front sweater with integratedsleeves. FIG. 1 shows one such cardigan.

These cardigans may be made from the same materials and yarns as shawls,ranging from cotton and wool yarns to more elegant silks and sateenfabrics. Drape-front cardigans such as that shown in FIG. 1 can presenta more elegant appearance than a traditional shawl and have theadditional benefit of hanging securely on the wearer. Unlike thesleeveless shawl, the drape-front cardigan may include sleeves thatprovide additional stability and security on the wearer. The wearer isthus able to use both hands providing for a more versatile experience.

However, many drape-front cardigans suffer from significant drawbacks.As with a shawl, the drape-front cardigan may simply hang open, reducingthe heat-retention properties of the garment and perhaps diminishing itsstylishness. The drape-front cardigan is worn like a sweater so thewearer must insert the arms into the sleeves to put it on, an additionalstep not present with a traditional shawl. Further, the drape-frontcardigan may lack versatility and cannot be adapted to other uses.

Combinations have been proposed in which sleeves are integrated into atraditional shawl. Referring to FIG. 2, one such garment in shown inwhich two separate sleeve portions are knit and then linked on to themain body portion of the garment. However, these proposals still sufferfrom significant drawbacks.

Where sleeve portions are simply formed and attached, the user cannotwear the garment as a shawl since the presence of the sleeve portionsinterferes with the draping of the shawl on the wearer. The sleeves alsoinhibit fashioning the garment into an accessory.

Further, sleeves that are formed and attached to a shawl requireadditional labor to fabricate the sleeves and then attached them to themain portion of the garment. Additional labor can introduce additionalcost to the product.

Commercially-available knitting processes have generally been limitedand are unable to produce an integrated shawl-like garment in whichcomponents such as armholes are integrated into a single seamlessgarment produced in a single step.

What is needed is a versatile, multi-purpose article that can fill thecombined functions of sweater and shawl, and that can be efficientlymanufactured.

What is further needed is a multi-purpose article that can still fillthe function of sweater or shawl individually.

What is further needed is a combined sweater and shawl that presents aclean, stylish appearance.

SUMMARY

The disclosed technology is a method of manufacturing a multipurposegarment in a seamless fashion, saving time and money, and providing amore durable garment.

In one implementation, the disclosed technology discloses a method ofmanufacturing a multipurpose garment. The method can comprise the stepsof: knitting a first section 130, the first section including aplurality of single courses; knitting a second section 131, the secondsection including a plurality of double courses; knitting a thirdsection 132, the third section including a plurality of single courses;knitting a fourth section 133, the fourth section including a pluralityof double courses; and knitting a fifth section 134, the fifth sectionincluding a plurality of single courses, wherein transitions between thefirst section and the second section, the second section and the thirdsection, the third section and the fourth section, and the fourthsection and the fifth section are seamless.

In some implementations, the knitting direction can comprise the stepsof: knitting the section 135, a plurality of single courses; knittingsection 136, a plurality of double courses; knitting section 137, aplurality of single courses, wherein transitions between the section 135and the section 136, the section 136 and the section 137 are seamless.

In some implementations, the single courses can be reverse Jerseystitches. In some implementations, the double courses can be Jerseystitches and reverse Jersey stitches. In some implementations, themultipurpose garment 100 can comprise combinations of section 110 beingreverse jersey stitches, section 121 being jersey stitches (the reverseside of 120) and section 123 being jersey stitches (reverse side of122).

In some implementations, the multipurpose garment 100 can comprisecombinations of section 110 being jersey stitches, section 121 beingreverse jersey stitches (reverse side of 120) and section 123 beingreverse jersey stitches (reverse side of 122). In some furtherimplementation, multipurpose garment 100 can comprise combinations oftuck stitches.

In some implementations, the steps of knitting the double coursesfurther comprise the steps of: knitting a first course of a body portionin a first direction; applying a first transition stitch; knitting afirst course of a first sleeve section in a second direction; knitting asecond course of a body portion in the second direction; applying asecond split transition stitch; knitting a second course of a firstsleeve section in a first direction; and repeating the above steps untila sleeve section of a defined number of courses is formed.

In some implementations, the transition stitch can be a split stitch. Insome implementations, the transition stitch can be a tuck stitch. Insome implementations, the first course of a body portion and the secondcourse of a body portion can be reverse Jersey stitches. In someimplementations, the first course of a sleeve portion and the secondcourse of a sleeve portion can be Jersey stitches. In someimplementations, the first course of a body portion and the secondcourse of a body portion can be Jersey stitches. In someimplementations, the first course of a sleeve portion and the secondcourse of a sleeve portion can be reverse Jersey stitches.

In some embodiments, a multimodal garment may include a body portion, aleft sleeve portion formed in the elongate body portion substantiallyparallel to the first and second horizontal edge portions, and/or aright sleeve portion formed in the elongate body portion substantiallyparallel to the first and second horizontal edge portions. In someembodiments, the body portion may include first and second horizontaledge portions, and first and second vertical edge portions.

In some embodiments, the left and right sleeve portions are configuredas tubes extending outward from adjacent a center vertical axis of thebody portion to the vertical edge of the body portion without a visibleseam.

In some embodiments, the body portion, left sleeve portion, and rightsleeve portion are formed together using a tubular knitting technique.In some embodiments, the left and right sleeve portions are configuredas sewn-on tubes extending outward from adjacent a center vertical axisof the body portion to the vertical edge of the body portion withvisible seams. In some embodiments, the body portion, left sleeveportion, and right sleeve portion are formed together using a wholegarment seamless knitting technique.

In some embodiments, a multimodal garment may include a body portionand/or a secondary torso panel formed in the elongate body portion, andintegrated into the body portion on at least two sides.

In some embodiments, each of the left and right sleeve portions areclosed on at least one end. In some embodiments, each of the left andright sleeve portions terminate in an integrated mitten or gloveportion.

In some embodiments, the garment is formed from one of natural fiberssuch as wool, cotton, linen, silk and synthetic fibers such as rayon,nylon and polyester and any blend thereof.

In some embodiments, such a multimodal garment may further include adecorative adornment, including fringe, jacquard, intarsia, cableknitting, or pointelle textured stitches.

In some embodiments, a multimodal garment may include a substantiallyplanar body portion and/or a left sleeve portion and a right sleeveportion formed in the planar body portion. In some embodiments, thesubstantially planar body portion may include at least one edge. In someembodiments, the left and right sleeve portions are configured as tubesextending outward from adjacent a center vertical axis of the planarbody portion to an edge of the body portion. In some embodiments, theleft and right sleeve portions are integrally formed with the planarbody portion in a single process using a tubular knitting technique.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fullyunderstood with reference to the following detailed description whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a prior art design for drape-front cardigan.

FIG. 2 shows a prior art design for drape-front cardigan in a flattenedconfiguration.

FIG. 3 shows a multipurpose garment according to embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of a multipurpose garment according toembodiments of the invention, in a different configuration.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of a multipurpose garment according toembodiments of the invention, in a different configuration.

FIG. 6 shows a rear view of a multipurpose garment according toembodiments of the invention, in a different configuration.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of a multipurpose garment according toembodiments of the invention, in a different configuration.

FIG. 8 shows a front view of a multipurpose garment according toembodiments of the invention, in a different configuration.

FIG. 9 shows a multipurpose garment in a flattened configuration,according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention in aflattened configuration.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary needle for use with embodiments of theinvention.

FIGS. 13a-b show exemplary weft knitting and warp knitting.

FIG. 14 shows exemplary knitting stitches.

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary appearance of a Jersey stitch.

FIG. 16a shows a multipurpose garment in a flattened configuration.

FIG. 16 b shows a multipurpose garment in a three-dimensionalconfiguration.

FIG. 17 shows an indication chart for knitting stitches.

FIG. 18a shows a partial view of a multipurpose garment with doublecourses and transition stitches.

FIG. 18b is a flow chart showing steps for forming double course garmentsections.

FIG. 18c shows a partial view of a multipurpose garment with doublecourses and transition stitches.

FIG. 18d is a flow chart showing steps for forming double course garmentsections.

FIGS. 19-21 show another embodiment of the disclosed invention as ascarf.

FIGS. 22-23 show another embodiment of the disclosed invention as ahoodie scarf.

FIGS. 24-25 show another embodiment of the disclosed invention as aturtle-necked shawl 530

FIGS. 26-27 show another embodiment of the disclosed invention as aopen-neck shawl.

FIGS. 28-29 show another embodiment of the disclosed invention as aopen-neck shawl.

FIGS. 30-31 show another embodiment of the disclosed invention as andraping, open-neck shawl.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed technology relates to a method of manufacturing amultipurpose garment in a seamless fashion, saving time and money, andproviding a more durable garment.

In some embodiments, a multimodal garment is described in which sleeveportions are integrated into the body using a tubular knitting-intechnique.

Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary garment is shown in a position of use.Garment 300 may comprise an elongate body portion 310 formed from one ormore pieces of material that is generally rectangular in shape definedby right and left vertical edge portions 320, 330 and top and bottomhorizontal edge portions 340 and 350. In alternate embodiments, shapesbeyond rectangular may be utilized such as circular and polygonal.

It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that a wide varietyof sizes and shapes may be used for elongate body portion 310. In apreferred embodiment, a rectangular body portion is contemplated, of alength sufficient to cover the wearer and appropriate to the desiredstyle. It should be noted that in differing embodiments, therectangular-shaped elongate body portion may be oriented such that thelonger edges are aligned with the horizontal plane, or alternatively,that the longer edges are aligned with the vertical plane. In someembodiments, other shapes may be used depending on the application,including polygonal, circular, oval, and elliptical, among others.

In some embodiments, sleeve portions 360 and 370 may be formed in thegarment. A left sleeve portion 370 may be defined along a segment of tophorizontal edge portion 340, and a corresponding right sleeve portion360 may be defined along a segment of top horizontal edge portion 340.In some embodiments, left and right sleeve portions 360, 370 may takethe form of mirror opposites of each other. In some embodiments, leftand right sleeve portions 360, 370 are designed to accommodate the leftand right arms of the wearer, respectively, and extend to a length thatmay vary with the size of the garment (e.g., S, M, L, XL) or be basedupon the average size of a wearer. The left and right sleeve portions360, 370 may be open-ended to allow the hands of the wearer to protrude.In alternate embodiments, left and right sleeve portions 360, 370 may beclosed-ended and capped with an integrated mitten or glove foradditional warmth.

A wide variety of materials may be utilized in garment 300, both in thebody portion 310 and sleeve portions 360, 370. In a preferredembodiment, a wool sweater knit may be used. In alternate embodiments,fabrics, such as cotton, linen, silk or other woven fabrics may beutilized.

As shown in FIG. 3, in use, the arms of the wearer may be insertedthrough left and right sleeve portions 360, 370 and the garment then maydrape.

Additional stylistic elements may be incorporated into garment 300. Forexample, decorative adornments such as fringe at right and left verticaledge portions 320, 330 may be incorporated into body portion 310.Additional examples of textures for the body portion 310 and sleeveportions 360, 370 may include jacquard, cable or pointelle texturedstitches.

FIGS. 4-9 show an embodiment of the invention in various stages andconfigurations of use. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment 400 in a shawlconfiguration, with the wearer's arms inserted through the sleeveportions and the garment wrapped tightly around the shoulders of thewearer. The garment in this configuration is secured by the wearer'sarms, minimizing or eliminating instances of the garment falling off thebody of the wearer. Since the wearer is not utilizing their hands tosecure the garment, the hands are free for other purposes.

FIGS. 5-6 show front and rear views of an embodiment in a multi-purposegarment configuration with an open front. The garment is sloped to drapemore freely than what is shown in FIG. 4, while remaining secure on thewearer's body with the hands free.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of the invention in which the garmenttakes the form of a scarf. Because of the integrated left and rightsleeve portions formed with the garment, there are no loose-hangingsleeve portions that would interfere with the scarf configuration,either mechanically or visually.

Lastly, FIG. 8 shows an embodiment in which the garment is worn as ashawl with one side arm inserted into a sleeve portion and wrappedaround the other side to create an asymmetrical configuration. In apreferred embodiment, the garment of FIG. 3, can be utilized in each ofthese configurations, providing a varied experience for the wearerwithout requiring distinct garments.

Referring to FIG. 9, garment 900 of FIG. 3 is shown laid flat. As withthe view shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 9 comprises an elongate body portion 910.Body portion 910 may be formed from one or more pieces of material thatis generally rectangular in shape defined by top and bottom verticaledge portions 920, 930 and top and bottom horizontal edge portions 940,950.

Sleeve portions 960, 970 may be formed in the garment and defined as atubular knit portion fabricated according to the process describedbelow. Each sleeve portion has an opening 960′, 970′ that is proximal tothe wearer. Corresponding openings 960″, 970″ are formed opposite thecorresponding openings 960′, 970′ to form a tube through which the armsof the wearer may be inserted.

In some embodiments, left and right sleeve portions 960, 970 may beformed with garment 900 during manufacturing using a tubular knit-intechnique that enables three-dimensional knitting of the completegarment including, for example, tubular knitting to form 960, 970 in thesame process as with the main body portion.

Alternatively, sleeve portions 960, 970 may be laterally linked-on bylinking machine or sewn-on by sewing machine leaving openings 960′, 970′and corresponding opening 960″, 970″.

Various alternate embodiments of the invention are contemplated tofulfill various stylistic or manufacturing requirements.

For example, referring to FIG. 10, an integrated garment 1000 is shown.Garment 1000 incorporates not only the shawl portion 1010 describedabove, but also a short portion 1020 that has been knit with the garmentas a single unit. Referring to the plan view of FIG. 11, as with theprior embodiments, garment 1100 may comprise an elongate body portion1110 formed from one or more pieces of material that is generallyrectangular in shape defined by top and bottom vertical edge portions1120, 1120′ and top and bottom horizontal edge portions 1130 and 1130′.Arm openings 1160, 1170 may be formed in secondary portion 1150.

In some embodiments, a secondary portion 1150 may be formed in thegarment. In a preferred embodiment, secondary portion 1150 may be formedof the same material as body portion 1110 by tubular knit-in technique.Secondary portion 1150 may be attached laterally, linked-on by linkingmachine or sewn-on by sewing machine on two sides leaving open a topneck portion 1150′ and bottom torso portion 1150″. Arm openings 1160,1170 may be provided for receiving the wearer's arms.

In a preferred embodiment, the entire garment 1100 is formed from atubular or seamless knitting technique and knit in a singlemanufacturing step, which can minimize labor and cost, and also providefor a more attractive product. Traditional commercial knitting processeshave generally been found to be unsuitable for producing such a garment.However, advances in mechanized knitting technology have made productionof the embodiments shown herein possible.

It has been found that machines such as the Shima Seiki WholegarmentComputerized Flat Knitting Machine (Mach2XS) and the Stoll Knit and Wearseries of machines are well-suited for use with the present invention.

Generally speaking, knitting involves interlacing yarn or thread in aseries of connected loops, which are called stitches. Arrays of needlesare organized into beds, which slide up or down to carry and transferthe yarn or thread. Needles may be curved or straight, and may contain alatch to hook the yarn. An exemplary latch needle is shown in FIG. 12.

Cams typically cause the needles in the bed to be raised and lowered. Acarriage traverses the needle beds to raise and lower the needlesaccording to the desired pattern. Successive loops in the fabric orgarment are pulled through an existing loop and this process is repeateduntil completion.

As a needle is raised by a cam, the downward hook passes by the currentyarn segment before hooking that yarn segment on the lowering movement.The latch of the needle catches the yarn and holds the yarn in place asanother active yarn segment is passed across, pulling the yarn throughthe prior loop or stitch. The needle then releases the current loop orstitch on the raising movement. The current loops, known as “activeloops,” are held on a needle until another loop can be passed throughthem to complete the stitch.

In embodiments that utilize the whole garment machines capable ofseamless knitting, these machines are specially configured so that thesestitches can be passed from one bed to the other and the beds can bemoved in relation to one another. This transfer ability permits theintegration of components such as pockets and lateral sleeves into thegarment as it is knit.

In some embodiments, components of the garment (e.g., sleeves) may beformed separately (with the remainder of the garment formed from thetubular or seamless technique) and joined to the main garment using alinking technique.

Linking is a method of seaming/attaching pieces of a garment togetherafter the pieces have been knitted on a flat-bed knitting machine. Itwill be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the linkingprocess requires a skilled operator, and is used mainly forfully-fashioned knitted apparel. In the linking process, a slackercourse of loops of yarn is created on the linking machine, whichconnects two pieces of fabric together.

In another implementation, the disclosed garment can be manufacturedusing a weft double-bed knitting machine or a weft flat-bed knittingmachine known in the art. Weft knitting is a horizontal stitch processthat knits using a left to right and right to left motion, e.g., shownin FIG. 13a , as opposed to warp knitting which is a vertical stitchprocess in a single direction, e.g., shown in FIG. 13 b.

There are numerous stitches that can be knitted using the weft knittingprocess, e.g., a Jersey stitch, a reverse Jersey Stitch, a tuck stitch,a float stitch, and a split stitch, to name a few. Examples of thesestitches are shown in FIG. 14.

The general appearance of a Jersey stitch is shown in FIG. 15. Jerseystitches are made of a series of horizontal courses stacked upon oneanother. The Jersey stitch forms a matrix of courses (horizontal rows)and wales (vertical columns).

By utilizing a weft double-bed knitting machine or a weft flat-bedknitting machine, a disclosed garment 100, as shown in FIG. 16, can beproduced in a single knitting process and form a seamless transitionfrom a body portion 110 to sleeve portions 120, 122 (reverse sides 121,123, respectively). This garment is also more durable than traditionalknitting processes.

During manufacture, the knitting machine can form single courses anddouble courses as programmed by a user to form the disclosed garment100. For example, the disclosed garment 100 can be broken into fivesections 130-134. The first section 130 can be a single course knit, thesecond section 131 can be a double course knit, the third section 132can be a single course knit, the fourth section 133 can be a doublecourse knit and the fifth section 134 can be a single course knit.

During the knitting process, the first section 130 can be a singlecourse of a reverse Jersey stitch, the second section 131 can be adouble course of a Jersey stitch and a reverse Jersey stitch, the thirdsection 132 can be a single course of a reverse Jersey stitch, thefourth section 133 can be a double course of a Jersey stitch and areverse Jersey stitch and the fifth section 134 can be a single courseof a reverse Jersey stitch. Please note that other stitches can be usedand are contemplated.

The knitting machine can begin its process by forming the first section130 of reverse Jersey stitches in a weft knit that allows the knittingmachine to move from left to right and right to left to form the reverseJersey stitch, shown in FIG. 13a . The first section 130 can be anynumber of courses chosen for design purposes, e.g., the first sectioncan contain from 1-400 courses.

The knitting machine can seamlessly transition from the first section130 to the second section 131. In the second section 131, two courses ofdifferent stitches are knitted with one on top of the other, a firstcourse for the body portion 110 and a second course for the first sleevesection 120.

As shown in FIG. 18b and using FIG. 17 as a guide, the knitting machinecan be programmed to form these two courses. FIGS. 16a and 18a are forillustrative purposes and directions of the knit may be changed based onthe orientation of the garment within the knitting machine.

In Step 1, a full course of the body portion 110 is knitted from left toright (line A to line B) and knit reverse jersey stitch in theback-needle bed. In Step 2, the knitting machine (without knitting)moves from right to left to line C (a right side of the sleeve portion120). The knitting machine applies a first split stitch 140. In Step 3,from that first split stitch 140, a first course of the sleeve portion120 can be knitted from right to left (line C to line D) using a Jerseystitch in the front needle bed. (The first course of the sleeve portion120 can have a width (e.g., 1-200 wales) determined by design). Once thefirst course of the sleeve portion 120 is complete, the knittingmachine, in Step 4, without knitting moves from left to right (line D toline B). In Step 5, a second full course of the body portion 110 isknitted from right to left (line B to line A) in the back-needle bed. InStep 6, the knitting machine (without knitting) moves from left to rightto line D (a left side of the sleeve portion 121). The knitting machinethen applies a second split stitch 141. In Step 7, from that secondsplit stitch 141, a second course of the sleeve portion 120 can beknitted from left to right (line D to Line C) using a Jersey stitchhaving a length as predetermined by design. Once complete, in Step 8,the knitting machine without knitting moves from right to left (line Cto line A). The above steps are repeated until the first sleeve portionwith a height determined by design is formed (e.g., 1-200 courses).

The knitting machine then seamlessly transitions from the second section131 to the third section 132. The third section can be a series ofsingle course of reverse Jersey stitches with a height determined bydesign (e.g., 1-800 courses).

The knitting machine can seamlessly transition from the third section132 to the fourth section 133. In the fourth section 133, like thesecond section 131, two courses are to be knitted on top of one another.

As shown in FIG. 18b and using FIG. 17 as a guide, the knitting machinecan be programmed to form these two courses. In Step 1, a full course ofthe body portion 110 is knitted from left to right (line A to line B)and knit reverse Jersey stitch in the back-needle bed. In Step 2, theknitting machine (without knitting) moves from right to left to line C(a right side of the sleeve portion 122). The knitting machine applies afirst split stitch 140. In Step 3, from that first split stitch 140, afirst course of the sleeve portion 122 can be knitted from right to left(line C to line D) using a Jersey stitch in the front needle bed. (Thefirst course of the sleeve portion 122 can have a width (e.g., 1-200wales) determined by design). Once the first course of the sleeveportion 122 is complete, the knitting machine, in Step 4, withoutknitting moves from left to right (line D to line B). In Step 5, asecond full course of the body portion 110 is knitted from right to left(line B to line A) in the back-needle bed. In Step 6, the knittingmachine (without knitting) moves from left to right to line D (a leftside of the sleeve portion 122). The knitting machine then applies asecond split stitch 141. In Step 7, from that second split stitch 141, asecond course of the sleeve portion 122 can be knitted from left toright (line D to Line C) using a Jersey stitch having a length aspredetermined by design. Once complete, in Step 8, the knitting machinewithout knitting moves from right to left (line C to line A). The abovesteps are repeated until the second sleeve portion with a heightdetermined by design is formed (e.g., 1-200 courses).

The knitting machine then seamlessly transitions from the fourth section133 to the fifth section 134. The fifth section can be a series ofsingle course of reverse Jersey stitches with a height determined bydesign (e.g., 1-800 courses).

During the knitting process these steps are repeated allowing the sleeveportions to be knitted seamlessly. That is, the knitting machineseamlessly transitions from the section 137 to the section 136 and fromthe section 136 to the section 135. There are no visible seams on Line Dand line C due to the split stitches seamlessly connecting the bodyportion 110 and the sleeve portion 121.

As shown in FIG. 18d and using FIG. 17 as a guide, knitting machinesequence can be programmed differently. Please see FIGS. 18c and 18d :In step 1, knitting a first course of a sleeve portion (line B to lineC) in a first direction in the front machine bed. In step 2, anothercourse of sleeve portion (line C to line D) can be knitted in the seconddirection in the back-machine bed. In step 3, the knitting a firstcourse of a body portion (line A to line D) in the back-machine bed in afirst direction, ending with first split stitch 148. In step 4, the restof the first course of a body portion is knitted on the back-machine bed(from line B to line C) in a second direction, ending with second splitstitch 149. Step 4 is the right side of the sleeve 120 and repeating theabove steps until a sleeve section of a defined number of courses isformed.

During the knitting process these steps are repeated allowing the sleeveportions to be knitted seamlessly. That is, there are no visible seamson Line D and line C due to the transition stitches seamlesslyconnecting the body portion 110 and the sleeve portion 120.

FIGS. 19-31 show different configurations of the multipurpose garmentformed by the steps discussed above.

FIGS. 19-21 show an alternate embodiment of the disclosed invention as ascarf with head opening 500. The scarf 500 has a body 501, a firstsleeve 502, a second sleeve 503 and an opening 504 for a wearer's head.The scarf 500 can be knitted in a multicolor scheme as shown in FIG. 20.In use, a wearer can use the scarf 510 in multiple fashions as shown inFIG. 21.

FIGS. 22-23 show another embodiment of the disclosed invention as ahoodie scarf 520. The hoodie scarf 520 has a body 521, a first sleeve522, a second sleeve 523, an opening 524 for a wearer's head and a hood525. In use, a wearer can use the hoodie scarf 520 in multiple fashionsas shown in FIG. 23.

FIGS. 24-25 show another embodiment of the disclosed invention as aturtle-necked shawl 530. The turtle-neck shawl 530 has a body 531, afirst sleeve 532, a second sleeve 533 and an opening 534 for a wearer'shead and a turtle neck 536. In use, a wearer can use the turtle-neckshawl 530 as shown in FIG. 25.

FIGS. 26-27 show another embodiment of the disclosed invention as anopen-neck shawl 540. The open-neck shawl 540 has a body 541, a firstsleeve 542, a second sleeve 543 and an opening 544. In use, a wearer canuse the open-neck shawl 540 as shown in FIG. 27.

FIGS. 28-29 show another embodiment of the disclosed invention as anopen-neck shawl 550. The open-neck shawl 550 has a body 551, a firstsleeve 552, a second sleeve 553, an opening 554 and a hood 555. In use,a wearer can use the open-neck shawl 550 as shown in FIG. 29.

FIGS. 30-31 show another embodiment of the disclosed invention as adraping, open-neck shawl 560. The open-neck shawl 560 has a body 561, afirst sleeve 562, a second sleeve 563 and an opening 564. The body 561can have three pieces 561 a, 561 b, 561 c. In use, a wearer can use theopen-neck shawl 560 as shown in FIG. 31.

It will be understood that there are numerous modifications of theillustrated embodiments described above which will be readily apparentto one skilled in the art, such as any other combinations of featuresdisclosed herein that are individually disclosed or claimed herein,explicitly including additional combinations of such features. Thesemodifications and/or combinations fall within the art to which thisinvention relates and are intended to be within the scope of the claims,which follow. It is noted, as is conventional, the use of a singularelement in a claim is intended to cover one or more of such an element.

1. A method of manufacturing a multipurpose garment comprising the stepsof: knitting a first section, the first section including a plurality ofsingle courses; knitting a second section, the second section includinga plurality of double courses; knitting a third section, the thirdsection including a plurality of single courses; knitting a fourthsection, the fourth section including a plurality of double courses; andknitting a fifth section, the fifth section including a plurality ofsingle courses, wherein transitions between the first section and thesecond section, the second section and the third section, the thirdsection and the fourth section, and the fourth section and the fifthsection are seamless.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the multipurposegarment includes a body section and at least two sleeve portions.
 3. Themethod of claim 2 wherein the at least two sleeve portions areseamlessly knitted to the body portion.
 4. The method of claim 3 whereinthe multipurpose garment seamlessly transitions from the body portion tothe at least two sleeve portions and from the at least two sleeveportions to the body portion due to transition stitches connecting thebody portion and the at least two sleeve portions.
 5. The method ofclaim 4 wherein the transition stitches are split stitches or tuckstitches.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the plurality of singlecourses are reverse Jersey stitches.
 7. The method of claim 1 whereinthe plurality of double courses are Jersey stitches and reverse Jerseystitches.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the plurality of singlecourses are mixtures or variations of jersey stitches, tuck stitches orfloat stitches.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the plurality of doublecourses are mixtures or variations of jersey stitches, tuck stitches orfloat stitches.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the steps of knittingthe second section and the fourth section further comprises the stepsof: knitting a first course of a body portion in a first direction;applying a first transition stitch; knitting a first course of a firstsleeve section in a second direction; knitting a second course of thebody portion in the second direction; applying a second transitionstitch; knitting a second course of the first sleeve section in thefirst direction; and repeating the above steps until the second sectionand the fourth section of the first sleeve section are a defined numberof courses.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the transition stitch isa split stitch or a tuck stitch.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein thefirst course of the body portion and the second course of the bodyportion are reverse Jersey stitches.
 13. The method of claim 12 whereinthe first course of the first sleeve portion and the second course ofthe first sleeve portion are Jersey stitches.
 14. The method of claim 13wherein the plurality of single courses are mixtures or variations ofjersey stitches, tuck stitches or float stitches.
 15. The method ofclaim 14 wherein the plurality of double courses are mixtures orvariations of jersey stitches, tuck stitches or float stitches.
 16. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the steps of knitting the double coursesfurther comprises the steps of: knitting a first course of a sleeveportion in a first direction in a front machine bed; knitting a secondcourse of the sleeve portion in a second direction in a back-machine bedknitting a first course of a body portion in the first direction in theback-machine bed and ending with a first transition stitch; knitting asecond course of the body portion on the back-machine bed in a seconddirection and ending with a second transition stitch; and repeating theabove steps until the sleeve portion is a defined number of courses andtransition stitches seamlessly connect the body portion and the sleeveportion.
 17. A multipurpose garment comprising: a first sectionincluding a plurality of single courses; a second section including aplurality of double courses; a third section including a plurality ofsingle courses; a fourth section including a plurality of doublecourses; and a fifth section including a plurality of single courses,wherein transitions between the first section and the second section,the second section and the third section, the third section and thefourth section, and the fourth section and the fifth section areseamless.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the multipurpose garmentincludes a body section and at least two sleeve portions.
 19. The methodof claim 18 wherein the sleeve portions are seamlessly knitted to thebody portion.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the multipurposegarment seamlessly transitions from the body portion to the sleeveportion and from the sleeve portion to the body portion due totransitions stitches connecting the body portion and the sleeve portion.